Utility-industry restructuring and the future of state energy research and technology transfer institutions
State energy research and technology transfer institutions (SERTTI) are state and regional organizations that have historically filled in gaps when a state need was not met. SERTTI build on research of the federal government and universities and focus on technologies with potential for timely commercialization. They have made valuable contributions to the energy balance, economic development, and environment of their states and the nation. SERTTI prospects are uncertain given their dependency on funding from oil-overcharges and utilities in an era of utility restructuring, oil-overcharge fund depletion, and general declines in energy research and development (R and D). SERTTI are likely to continue following restructuring, with funding from traditional sources or systems benefits charges, however, the R{ampersand}D mix and SERTTI activities will probably change. Unless provisions are made, utility investments in public-benefit R and D are likely to fall precipitously, reducing benefits and diminishing state-level R and D efforts because there will be less utility funding for SERTTI to leverage. Many R and D issues emerge that all states will need to address as they make restructuring decisions: What is public-benefit R and D, how can it be more effective, how much funding should be provided, who should administer funds, how should funds be allocated? Is a dedicated R and D fund needed? Is there a role for SERTTI to be involved in technology transfer? This paper looks at the current situation of state-level R and D in regard to restructuring and suggests answers to these questions.
- Research Organization:
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Washington, DC (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20001802
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980815-; TRN: IM0001%%239
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1998 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Pacific Grove, CA (US), 08/23/1998--08/28/1998; Other Information: 10 volume set available for $200.00; PBD: 1998; Related Information: In: 1998 ACEEE summer study on energy efficiency in buildings: Proceedings, [3100] pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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